Several French mayors plan to raise the Palestinian flag on municipal buildings, defying the French government’s instructions, as France prepares to officially recognize the Palestinian state at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
It remains unclear how many cities will join the initiative on Monday, following the call by Socialist leader Olivier Faure to display the Palestinian flag, despite warnings from the Ministry of the Interior against such actions.
France is home to one of Europe’s largest Jewish and Muslim populations. Faure’s call has gained momentum amid growing visibility of Palestinian flags over nearly two years of the Gaza conflict. This week, banners were seen during nationwide protests criticizing some policies of President Emmanuel Macron and his government.
The Gaza war and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict are expected to be top priorities for world leaders at the UN General Assembly, which opens Monday. Palestinians hope at least 10 more countries will recognize the state, joining the over 145 nations that have already done so.
Local initiatives:
- Mathieu Hanotin, mayor of Saint-Denis (near Paris), announced he would raise the Palestinian flag on the city hall as a gesture of solidarity.
- In Nantes, Mayor Johanna Rolland confirmed her intention to do the same. She emphasized that municipalities wishing to participate in a symbolic act of solidarity with France’s recognition of Palestine should not hesitate.
The Ministry of the Interior urged local authorities to oppose flag-raising, citing risks of escalating international tensions and emphasizing the principle of neutrality in public service. Minister Bruno Retailleau stressed:
“The front wall of a town hall is not a billboard. Only the tricolor – our colors, our values – should be displayed on what remains, for us, a common home.”
Political reactions:
- Ian Brossat, spokesperson for the French Communist Party, accused Retailleau of contradicting France’s official diplomatic stance.
- In June, Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, was ordered by a court to remove Israeli flags he had displayed in support of hostages held by Hamas.
- Karim Bouamrane, mayor of Saint-Ouen, plans to display both Israeli and Palestinian flags, sending a message of peace and coexistence.
“We are a community, the republican community. I represent a community of peace: I do not want to pit Muslims against Jews, nor activists against supporters of Hamas or opponents of [Benjamin] Netanyahu,” Bouamrane said.
